Head-to-head reliability
Nissan Murano vs Nissan Frontier
How the Nissan Murano and Nissan Frontier compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Nissan Murano vs Nissan Frontier: The Murano averages 27.2 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Frontier averages 49.9 complaints per year with 22 recalls. The Frontier has more crash-related complaints (32 vs. 17) and one death, whereas the Murano has zero deaths but 18 injuries. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Nissan Murano or Nissan Frontier more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Nissan Murano
The Nissan Murano is a mid-size SUV that averages about 27 complaints per year over the past decade, with 11 recalls. Owners frequently report issues with forward collision avoidance systems, electrical glitches, and brake problems. While it has fewer annual complaints than the Frontier, the nature of the complaints—such as automatic collision notification failures and unexpected braking—can be concerning for a family vehicle.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a mid-size pickup that averages nearly 50 complaints per year, with 22 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system and power train, with reports of random engine shutdowns and transmission jerking. It also has a higher number of crash-related complaints and one death reported, making it a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Nissan Murano | Nissan Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 272 Better | 499 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 11 Better | 22 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 17 Better | 32 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 27.2 Better | 49.9 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 | 12 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Nissan Murano
- 01UNKNOWN OR OTHER67
- 02FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE44
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM34
- 04SERVICE BRAKES33
- 05POWER TRAIN26
Owners report the crash sensor light engaging randomly, even when parked, and cruise control failing to maintain speed downhill. These glitches can distract the driver and undermine trust in the safety system.
Complaints include the vehicle abruptly slowing down as if it will shut off, with dashboard warnings. Such electrical faults can leave you stranded or cause sudden loss of power.
Drivers describe the vehicle slowing down unexpectedly after accelerating from a stop, often accompanied by panel warnings. This suggests potential brake or traction control interference that could lead to rear-end collisions.
Some owners report the automatic collision notification system failing to activate after a crash, and the SOS button not working. In an emergency, this delay could prevent timely help.
“My wife was victim to a hit and run driver on 30 Dec 22. Our 2022 Nissan Murano's AUTOMATIC COLLISION NOTIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON COLLISION. There were no warnings in the car prior. Additionally, the secondary system known as the "SOS BUTTON"…”
“On [XXX] I was driving back down [XXX] , stopped at red light and when light changed to green, I proceeded to take off and as I got under the interstate overpass my vehicle abruptly started slowing down as if it was going to shut completely down and the panel…”
Nissan Frontier
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM131
- 02POWER TRAIN121
- 03SERVICE BRAKES81
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER76
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE65
Owners report the engine and electrical system completely shutting off randomly while driving, with all power lost. This is a severe safety risk as it can happen without warning at any speed.
Complaints include the vehicle failing to accelerate properly, engine jerking, and running at idle for several seconds. These issues can make merging or crossing traffic dangerous.
Drivers describe the brake pedal going almost to the floor and the accelerator pedal being too close, leading to unintended acceleration. This combination is a serious hazard.
Reports include horrible odors from the ventilation system and unusual tire noises. While not safety-critical, these can indicate poor build quality or hidden damage.
“Issue: engine and electric system completely shut off randomly while vehicle is driving. Cannot reliably reproduce, but all electric is lost and engine shuts off or at best resets in low gear until things come back alive. This has happened about 4 times to me…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the infotainment system was inoperative; the contact had to restart the infotainment system several times for the infotainment system to return to normal operat…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Nissan Murano — 11 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Murano vehicles. The incorrect primer may have been used on the quarter glass, resulting in the left and right quarter glass detaching from the vehicle.
The risk: Detached glass panels can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace both side quarter glass panels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD102.
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-60…
The risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer s…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard n…
The risk: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front brake caliper assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or INFINITI's customer servi…
Nissan Frontier — 22 recalls
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additio…
The risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-…
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over t…
The risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7…
Buyer analysis
Nissan Murano or Nissan Frontier: which should you buy?
The Nissan Murano has fewer issues per year (27.2 vs. 49.9) and fewer recalls (11 vs. 22), suggesting it may be the less troublesome choice overall. However, the Frontier's problems tend to be more severe, such as random engine shutdowns, while the Murano's are often electronic annoyances. In practice, the Murano may require less frequent shop visits, but the Frontier's issues could be more dangerous if they occur.
Key differences
- The Frontier has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Murano, with electrical and power train issues being the most common.
- Murano owners frequently report forward collision avoidance glitches, while Frontier owners report random engine shutdowns.
- The Frontier has more crash-related complaints (32 vs. 17) and one death, whereas the Murano has zero deaths but more injuries (18 vs. 12).
- Both have brake complaints, but the Frontier's include pedal going to the floor and unintended acceleration, which are more severe.
- Check for any history of forward collision avoidance warnings or cruise control issues, especially if the sensor light has been replaced.
- Test the automatic collision notification and SOS button if equipped, as failures have been reported.
- Look for signs of electrical system resets or random shutdowns; ask if the ignition recall has been addressed.
- Inspect brake pedal feel and accelerator pedal position; any sponginess or closeness could indicate a safety issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for the Frontier's ignition and camera recalls.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, jerking, or unexpected braking, and test all electronic features.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake system, electrical connections, and transmission for both models.
- For the Murano, specifically test the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems if equipped.
- For the Frontier, check for any signs of engine stalling or electrical failures by scanning for stored trouble codes.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Nissan Murano | Nissan Frontier |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 20 |
| 2025 | 22 | 16 |
| 2024 | 5 | 44 |
| 2023 | 8 | 132 |
| 2022 | 6 | 112 |
| 2021 | 16 | 38 |
| 2020 | 46 | 46 |
| 2019 | 43 | 28 |
| 2018 | 15 | 25 |
| 2017 | 107 | 38 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Nissan Murano or Nissan Frontier in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Nissan Murano vs Nissan Frontier
- Nissan Murano total complaints
- 272
- Nissan Frontier total complaints
- 499
- Nissan Murano total recalls
- 11
- Nissan Frontier total recalls
- 22
- Nissan Murano avg complaints/year
- 27.2
- Nissan Frontier avg complaints/year
- 49.9
- More reliable overall
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Murano top complaint area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Nissan Frontier top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM